Share your desktop

You can let other people view and control your desktop from another computer with a desktop viewing application. Configure Screen Sharing to allow others to access your desktop and set the security preferences.

You must have the Vino package installed for Screen Sharing to be visible.

Install Vino

  1. Open the Activities overview and start typing Settings.

  2. Click on Settings.

  3. Click on Sharing in the sidebar to open the panel.

  4. If the Sharing switch at the top-right of the window is set to off, switch it to on.

    If the text below Computer Name allows you to edit it, you can change the name your computer displays on the network.

  5. Select Screen Sharing.

  6. To let others view your desktop, switch the Screen Sharing switch to on. This means that other people will be able to attempt to connect to your computer and view what’s on your screen.

  7. To let others interact with your desktop, ensure that Allow connections to control the screen is checked. This may allow the other person to move your mouse, run applications, and browse files on your computer, depending on the security settings which you are currently using.

Security

It is important that you consider the full extent of what each security option means before changing it.

New connections must ask for access

If you want to be able to choose whether to allow someone to access your desktop, enable New connections must ask for access. If you disable this option, you will not be asked whether you want to allow someone to connect to your computer.

This option is enabled by default.

Require a Password

To require other people to use a password when connecting to your desktop, enable Require a Password. If you do not use this option, anyone can attempt to view your desktop.

This option is disabled by default, but you should enable it and set a secure password.

Networks

The Networks section lists the networks to which you are currently connected. Use the switch next to each to choose where your desktop can be shared.

Stop sharing your desktop

To disconnect someone who is viewing your desktop:

  1. Open the Activities overview and start typing Settings.

  2. Click on Settings.

  3. Click on Sharing in the sidebar to open the panel.

  4. Screen Sharing will show as Active. Click on it.

  5. Toggle the switch at the top to off.